Interview: Philippe Sinault and the Alpine Hypercar drivers open up before the 24 Hours of Le Mans
MotorsInside was able to meet with the director of the Alpine Signatech Endurance team, as well as its three drivers: Nicolas Lapierre, André Negrao, and Mathieu Vaxivière. They all shared their feelings.
How to manage a modified LMP1 for the Hypercar regulations against machines perfectly tailored for this category?
Philippe Sinault: “We had a specification established by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the FIA as well as a Balance of Performance whose content we know for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The challenge remains the same: to deliver a flawless performance, whether we have a car from the old generation (LMP1) or a new generation, namely the purebred Hypercars. The team has had a lot of work, but for now, things are working.”
To the drivers: what feeling does it give to finally race in the premier class of Endurance.
A. Negrao: To be honest, in terms of driving, we are a bit on the same driving style as in LMP2. In Hypercar, there is simply more technology and it goes faster. But when we are fighting for the overall victory, there is inevitably more pressure.
Knowing Alpine’s presence in Formula 1 and Endurance racing, is there synergy between the two entities?
P. Sinault: Today, this is not really the case. We have very good relationships with the teams of Viry-Châtillon and Enstone. The F1 teams have access to our data, we exchange a lot about our respective disciplines. That being said, Formula 1 is extremely time-consuming and the people in this structure are fully focused on it. We do not yet have a study plan for exchanges between the two entities. But in the future, indeed, we could consider a collaboration.
Winning Le Mans is undoubtedly the ultimate achievement for an Endurance driver, isn’t it?
Nicolas Lapierre: Of course, when you are an Endurance driver, it is THE race you want to add to your list of achievements. We prefer to focus on the race first, as we are not really the favorites. But we seize an opportunity as soon as it arises, without getting ahead of ourselves.
P. Sinault: “I share this opinion. Our worst enemies are our emotions, and thinking too much about victory would greatly harm us. We have assumed the status of an outsider, for which we have prepared well.”
Matthieu Vaxivière: Agreeing with the others, especially with Nicolas. Winning Le Mans is a dream for many drivers, including us.
Since the start of the 2021 WEC championship, what have you learned from Toyota by following them?
N. Lapierre: We have already learned an obvious fact: they are faster than us on one lap, with slightly better race pace. But they also have a more delicate car to drive, and they have made several small mistakes. While our tests have gone well: we know they are faster, but our car is a little more reliable, and we can use it to our advantage.
Last question, a bit trivial: In the event of winning at Le Mans, will your three drivers be entitled to a Formula 1 test?
P. Sinault: But it’s a great idea! We are sometimes in denial, because we are fighting for victory, but we refuse to imagine it (laughs)! But if victory does come to us at Le Mans, rest assured that I will submit the idea to the Alpine F1 team!
